What is Service Anyway?

In a recent conversation with a lady who does training for various groups, we discussed the topic of service. How does one define it? Websters.com defines it as a noun: an act of helpful activity; as an adjective: of service, useful; and as a verb: to supply with aid, information, or incidental services.

I think how others define it depends on the needs of those whom they serve. The other day as I talked to the owner of several day spa locations, he asked a similar question. I told him, “You have to define service through the eyes of your clients, based on their needs.” If you don’t know what your client’s highest need is, how can you service their need? You can’t develop expectations for your team or properly equip them until you answer this question, What is the highest level of service we can provide to our clients through their entire experience? Many companies miss this opportunity because they don’t stress the details of service.

Your website might be beautiful but if it’s not easy to navigate, then it’s not providing great service to your customer/potential customer. You might have a great “uptown” location for your business but if parking is a challenge, then it’s not really all that great for your customers. Maybe you think that having an automated phone system is more efficient (saves you time and money) but if your customer wants to talk to someone right now about a problem or they have an urgent question, the system does not help them. In some cases, automation saves and may be an easy way to get information quickly; however, it may not be the best practice in every situation.

Providing someone with information may be the highest level of service you can give them, if that’s what they need. Allowing someone in a wheelchair to safely and easily navigate your store, restaurant, or business establishment could, quite possibly, be the most important thing to them. Are we able to put ourselves on the other side of the transaction and ask, “What would I want, need, or expect if I were the client?” Clean restrooms are a huge deal to moms with small children. Well lit, cleanly merchandised stores allow shoppers to enjoy a better shopping experience. Helpful front desk and bell staff works out to be an informational gem for hotel guests. It may seem intuitive to owners and managers that a smile, an enthusiastic spirit, and a genuine desire to WOW the customer are just inherent in all who “serve” clients and customers; however, I fear that may not be the case. That is generally the case in a culture that has been built around those very basic expectations but if the culture has not been established, now is the time to start. What’s your service DNA?

By Gina Herald

6 Comments

James Barber
on July 17, 2017 at 9:43 am

Great blog! I find it to be so true. Some companies focus on what is important to them and not what is important to their customers.

Greg Hyde
on July 17, 2017 at 11:45 am

Nice article, many companies don’t want to customize their service but want the customer to fit into their service system. Makes room for competitive offerings and lacks retention strategy. Thanks
Greg

Diane Michael
on July 17, 2017 at 11:34 pm

This is a wonderful perspective on the topic of customer service. It is so important for the customer to receive the service that makes them feel important.